Crime Archives - Page 16 of 23 - SocietyGazette.com

Accept Appeal Court verdict like a sportsman, Okpebholo tells Ighodalo

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state, Asue Ighodalo, to accept Thursday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed his victory as governor.

The Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on Thursday, reviewed the arguments presented by all parties and upheld the decision of the lower tribunal, validating the governor’s election.

In a statement on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Ituah, Okpebholo described the judgment as a confirmation of the people’s will and should serve as a clear signal for all political actors, especially Ighodalo.

The statement reads, “Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man.

“This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in our Edo State.

“Governor Okpebholo urges the opposition and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment. The prolonged litigation only serves to distract from the urgent task of governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

“The governor has consistently extended an olive branch to all, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of our dear state remains paramount. He reiterates this call.

“Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”

Okpebholo assured the people of Edo State that he remains fully committed to his “people first” agenda, which is focused on accelerated development across all sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

“The administration of Governor Okpebholo urges all well-meaning citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.

“The government of Governor Monday Okpebholo is re-energised by this affirmation of its mandate and will continue to work tirelessly to serve the best interests of every resident of Edo State,” the statement added.

NDLEA arrests would-be pilgrims with cocaine 29th Ma

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), on Wednesday, revealed the arrest of two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine while posing as pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja, Marwa disclosed that the suspects had ingested the illicit drug, pretending to be devout Muslims embarking on the holy pilgrimage.

“Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” he said.

The NDLEA boss expressed concern over the disturbing trend of criminal networks exploiting religious sentiments, especially during Hajj, to traffic drugs internationally.

“We have had incidents where people were deceived in the name of Hajj.

Two years ago, three women were duped. Some individuals offered to pay for their tickets, and visas among others. Before they left, they were given a small bag to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia. Unknown to them, cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag,” he recounted.

Marwa noted that despite funding challenges affecting the full implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the agency remained steadfast in its mission.

“Instead, we stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation. Encouragingly, certain developments promise to bolster the achievement of our objectives. One such step is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity in drug supply reduction. I am pleased to inform this esteemed assembly that the amended Act has been passed by the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent,” he stated.

Reviewing major programmes implemented across the strategic pillars of the NDCMP in 2023 and 2024, Marwa said the agency made commendable progress on the Fourth National Action Plan, in comparison with previous iterations.

“Under the Supply Reduction pillar, our operational efforts and strategic offensives led to the arrest of 31,334 drug offenders, of whom 6,839 were convicted.

“We also recorded the seizure of 4,333,636.9 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and undertook the destruction of 426.46724 hectares of cannabis farms.

Under the Drug Demand Reduction strategic pillar, we provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 19,033 individuals, “ he added.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, expressed hope that the recent amendment of the NDLEA Act by the National Assembly would bolster Nigeria’s drug control efforts once signed by President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Justice has worked together with the NDLEA to ensure that our national legal system effectively supports the drug control efforts of the Agency. We are at the final stage of the amendment process for the NDLEA Act, which will significantly enhance the organizational capability of the Agency to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. The ministry is also providing appropriate support in the area of proceeds of crime management, which is essential for dismantling the financial networks of drug traffickers.

Wike refutes NEMA report, dismisses Abuja suicide bomber claim

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that an explosion at the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja was the result of a failed suicide bombing attempt.

Speaking to journalists following road inspections on Wednesday, Wike clarified that the victim had unknowingly stolen an Improvised Explosive Device from a quarry, adding that the report by the National Emergency Management Agency was inaccurate.

“The security agencies never stated that it was a suicide bomber. Therefore, we should avoid creating unnecessary fear among the public. NEMA is not the lead security agency; security agencies are responsible for such matters.

“What happened was that someone went to a quarry site, where rocks are blasted, and took an explosive device, placing it in his pocket without understanding its danger. The device then detonated on him.

“This does not mean it was a suicide bombing. We must be careful with the narratives we promote; we should not send misleading messages to residents,” he emphasised.

Earlier, The PUNCH reported that an explosion at the barracks along the Nyanya-Mararaba road had caused panic among residents and passersby.

While NEMA had claimed the explosion was caused by a failed suicide bomber attempting to enter the barracks with the IED, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that the Police had launched a thorough investigation, including forensic analysis, to ascertain the cause and nature of the explosion.

Police arrest Rivers pastor over defilement of 10-year-old girl

Operatives of the Rivers State Police have arrested a 45-year-old Pastor of a new generation church simply identified as Lucky, for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl in the Ihuaje community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the arrest of the said cleric was carried out by members of a local security outfit formally called ‘ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee’ led by its Commander code-named OSPAC.

Punch Metro further gathered that the Commander of OSPAC in Ahoada East LGA, Precious Ihuruzu, led his men to the community after receiving the news of the incident.

The suspect, who is the pastor of a branch of the church in the area and handed over to the Ahoada Police Division.

Speaking to newsmen on the incident, a member of the association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Dennis Otobo, said he had received a call from the gender desk of the State Ministry of Health about a case of child abuse which they wanted him to follow up; which he obliged.

Otobo added, “In the course of my investigation, I got to know that one Pastor Lucky (surname withheld), who is also the proprietor of a group of schools (private) in Ihuaje community in Ahoada East, has been having sexual affairs with a 10-year-old girl in his care.

“This got to the knowledge of the parents. When the parents visited her on that Saturday at the Pastor’s house, the girl now informed them of what she had been going through. That anytime he had affairs with her, he would give her N500 to keep quiet.

“Her parents immediately took the girl to the hospital, where they did a preliminary investigation.

“On that level, I decided to call the Divisional Police Officer for assistance and arrest. It was in the evening that the DPO told me that they should come on Sunday and that he was going to handle the case professionally. Truly, he did that because, as we are talking, the man (pastor) is in Ahoada Police station, Ahoada East.”

Otobo commended the DPO of Ahoada Police Division, the Chief Security Officer of Ahoada East LGA, Hector Ekeakita, the OSPAC and a rights activist, Prince Wiro, who is the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign, for their various roles in ensuring the suspect’s arrest.

The gender advocate, therefore, called on the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and if found culpable, the suspect should be charged in court for prosecution.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the pastor’s arrest, saying it followed a complaint of alleged defilement by the parents of the tween girl.

Grace Iringe-Koko stated, “Yes, I can confirm his arrest. The Pastor is with us here in the Command. We received a complaint from the parents of the girl and our men working with a local vigilante there arrested him. Investigations are ongoing.”

Police arrest pro-Biafra member over sit-at-home plot in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one Friday Obeta, a member of the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, for planning to enforce the May 30 sit-at-home declared by the pro-Biafran group.

Recall that the pro-Biafran group had reportedly declared May 30 as a sit-at-home across the South-East, to honour its heroes who died during the civil war of 1967-1970.

The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the arrest of the 37-year-old suspect in a press statement he released on Wednesday, adding that one motorcycle, a branded t-shirt and an operational identification card of the proscribed organisation were recovered from the suspect.

Ikenga said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Nnewi Sector, arrested the suspect based on intelligence gathering on how he and his gang members had set out plans to enforce the sit-at-home.

The statement said, “Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Nnewi Sector, acting on credible information on how the proscribed Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra has set out plans to enforce sit-at-home on May 30, 2025, arrested one Friday Obeta aged 37 years and recovered one motorcycle, a branded t-shirt and an operational identification card of the proscribed organisation.

“The suspect confessed to being a member and an informant for the proscribed group and has made useful information that is aiding the investigation for the possible arrest of other gang members.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, charged the operatives to intensify their onslaught operations, given the suspect’s confessions.

“He further urged them to step up surveillance operations to thwart any unlawful gathering in the state.”

Police summon officers after viral ₦5,000 extortion video

The Nigeria Police Force has identified and summoned a group of officers featured in a viral video extorting motorists.

The video, which circulated widely on Monday, captured the moment a police officer demanded either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from motorists who were unable to provide proof of Electronic Central Motor Registry.

Responding to the incident, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, condemned the behaviour in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He wrote: “This action is utterly condemned. The officers have been identified and summoned to Force Headquarters for necessary action.

“We will not tolerate any act of indiscipline or unprofessionalism. We will update the public on our decisions as soon as possible. Thanks.”

Tailor stabs man to death in Ondo

An Ondo State Magistrate Court, sitting in Akure, the state capital, has ordered the remand of a 23-year-old man, Faith Adeola, in police custody for allegedly stabbing one Gbenga Olotu to death.

The defendant, who is a tailor, was arrested by the men of the state police command for committing the offence at Oka-Akoko Community, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state.

Adeola was alleged to have stabbed the deceased with a knife on May 8, 2025, during an argument over a missing stabiliser.

He was later arraigned before the court on one count charge of murder.

The charge read, “Faith Adeola ‘m’, on May 10, 2025, at about 2:30, at Ikese community, Oka-Akoko, in the Ondo State Magisterial District, did unlawfully stabbed one Olotu Gbenga ‘m’ a.k.a. “Zagazar” with a knife on his chest and also hit him with wood on his body which resulted to his death.”

He further stated that the offence contravened Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Ondo State, Nigeria, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge but his plea was not taken by the court.

The prosecutor, Folashade Adeyemi, asked the court to remand the defendant at the correctional centre pending legal advice from the state Director of Public Prosecution.

The magistrate, Mrs. R.I. Adelakin, in her ruling, adjourned the case till May 29 for the hearing of the application and ruling.

Adelakin consequently ordered the remand of the defendant to police custody.

Police detain two suspects over murder, burning of woman in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two principal suspects in connection with the brutal murder and burning of a young woman on Saturday in the ‘Gangare’ area near the canal behind Mile 12 Market, Lagos.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement released on Monday.

Hundeyin stated that the victim, originally from Nasarawa State, was allegedly attacked and set ablaze in a premeditated act orchestrated by her estranged boyfriend and accomplices.

The police clarified that, contrary to widespread misinformation, no blasphemy was involved in the incident.

He noted that the deceased had been living in the area with relatives from the northern part of the country, and her exact occupation remains unknown.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that she is from Nasarawa State and not a Yoruba woman.

“The prolonged dispute between her and her boyfriend, who is currently at large and had attempted to forcefully rekindle their relationship, led to the conspiracy.

“The boyfriend, along with other suspects, two of whom are now in custody planned and executed the attack,” he said.

According to Hundeyin, the investigation is being intensified to apprehend the boyfriend and other suspects still at large.

The suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, where they are assisting detectives and investigators in efforts to apprehend other perpetrators involved in the murder.

The PPRO assured the public that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected slum and surrounding areas of Mile 12.

“Residents of Lagos are encouraged not to panic and to continue their lawful activities peacefully without apprehension while awaiting the outcome of the investigation, which will be made public.

“People are urged to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary fear,” he added.

The spokesperson confirmed that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to provide timely updates as the investigation progresses.

Police rescue kidnapped octogenarian, kill six suspects

The Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, said that coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, the rescue of an 80-year-old kidnap victim, and the recovery of a cache of arms.

In a statement released on Monday via X, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the operations were carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and the Jigawa State Police Command, respectively.

In the FCT, police operatives dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate operating across the capital.

Acting on credible intelligence, the team intercepted the gang as they prepared to launch an attack in Maitama. A gun battle ensued after the suspects opened fire, leading to the death of one of the gang’s most wanted members, Abdulmininu Bello, also known as Babanle.

“One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralized during the encounter, while seven other suspects were apprehended at the scene, including Ibrahim Muhammad, 22 years and ex-convict; Abubakar Abdullahi, 22 years; Sarajo Yusuf, 20 years; Sanusi Ali, 51 years; Abubakar Sani; Isiaka Adamu, another ex-convict and Abdullahi Isah.

“Exhibits recovered from the scene include Four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of live 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made shotgun, a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red boxer motorcycle,” the statement added.

In a separate operation, police in Jigawa State rescued an octogenarian woman, Hajiya Hajara, who had been abducted from Sarbi Village, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State. Intelligence revealed that a group of about twelve armed bandits had kidnapped the elderly woman and were attempting to move her through Jigawa State.

Police, in collaboration with local security outfits, stormed the criminals’ hideout between Danzomo and Medi villages. A gunfight ensued, leading to the death of five kidnappers and the arrest of five others, including the gang’s alleged leader, Yahaya, 35.

“A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang’s kingpin, Yahaya, 35 years and five other suspects were neutralised during the exchange of fire.

“The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the Hospital for medical evaluation, after which, she was discharged. Exhibits recovered in the operation include two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, fourteen live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones,” the statement said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their bravery and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities.

‘He flogged me for 30 minutes,’ Abuja churchgoer, sister recount alleged police assault

A case of alleged police brutality has sparked public outrage after a woman identified as #torty_mercy on X.com shared an account of her brother being assaulted by a police officer near Wuse Market in Abuja.

According to her post, the victim was returning from church on Sunday when a police officer reportedly attacked.

In the video she shared on Sunday, her brother said, “I’m just coming back from church at Wuse Market receiving a very big police assault. A policeman flogged me for over 30 minutes with a very big stick and I have injury on my leg, I can’t do anything, I can’t run.

“People gathered, without me involved in the matter, just a passenger in the vehicle. This is police headquarters, I came to lay complaint. Bruises are all over my body.”

Further detailing the incident, #torty_mercy wrote, “Nigerian Police has done it again! My brother was coming back from church, driver packed along Wuse Market junction, opposite Zenith Bank, a police officer approached the driver as he was about to move and started dragging the steering with him, people in the vehicle started pleading, this guy left the steering, came round the vehicle and spat on my brother sitting by the window unprovoked!

“My brother came down to ask him what he did to him, this guy carried a stick and started hitting him, his colleagues were asking him to stop but did absolutely nothing to stop or restrain him, instead they were asking my brother to run, someone who recently had an accident and can’t even walk fast.”

She claimed the police officer was under the influence of alcohol and questioned what could have happened if he had a gun with him.

“This police officer was smelling of alcohol and obviously didn’t act in his right mind,” she wrote. “What would have happened if he had a gun? We will record another loss from police in a space of days? Someone will go to church and come back injured or in a body bag because we are Nigerians?” She asked.

According to #torty_mercy, the officer also attempted to destroy her brother’s phone and repeatedly hit him on his injured leg.

She wrote, “This police man broke his glasses, repeatedly tried to smash his phone, hit him on his bad leg repeatedly. What is the life of a Nigerian worth? This hurts more than a heartbreak, I’m deeply hurt.

“A boy you saw who cannot run or resist, you kept hitting him, he told you he had an accident, you went ahead to hit the leg.”

In response to the video, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Federal Capital Territory, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the officers involved had been identified and that disciplinary procedures had commenced.

“The officers have been identified and disciplinary proceedings have already commenced. The individual has also been contacted for more details,” Adeh wrote.

Watch video below:

‘𝐇𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝟑𝟎 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬,’ 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐣𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭

“A police officer approached the driver as he was about to move and started dragging the steering with him, people in… pic.twitter.com/VJkrJAABZs